Product Description

Lilly and Rosie, daughters of an empire coming of age in the roaring twenties, can have anything they want except freedom. Expected to marry well and to take the reins of the empire, they have their lives planned out for them. But Lilly, Esme's daughter longs to return home to Montana, to adventure outside the confines of New York City. And Jinx's daughter Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams - from avant garde France, to Broadway, to the skies in the world of barnstormers and wing-walkers will take all their courage. And if they find love, will they choose freedom or happily ever after?

Publisher's Description

Coming of age in the turbulent Roaring Twenties, two daughters of fortune can have anything they possibly want--except freedom. Expected to marry well and take the reins of the family empire, Lilly and Rosie have their entire lives planned out for them. But Lilly longs to flee the confines of New York City for the untamed wilds of Montana. Her cousin Rosie dreams of the bright lights of the newly emerging silver screen. But following their dreams--to avant-garde France, to dazzling Broadway, to the skies of the fearless wing walkers--will demand all their courage. When forced to decide, will Lilly and Rosie truly be able to abandon lives of ease and luxury for the love and adventure that beckons? At what cost will each daughter of fortune find her true love and a happy ending?

Because I am a Deep Haven Fan, I gave Warren a second shot in this series. Also, I over-looked the utter disregard for Christian principles in the first book and gave it an average rating. But, NO GO for another book. But this book goes further astray and I find no way to justify this as a work any truly Christian publishing house should market.

Before taking a look at the story, the first thing that catches the eye is the cover. My, what a splendid job! I could not stop staring it at it for a long while.

Baroness is my second read by Susan May Warren and it's no surprise to me why this author is renowned in Christian Fiction (award-winning and best-selling).

Warren has a fine style of writing. In fact, hers might one of the best you'll find in Christian Fiction. The plot in Baroness is well developed as are also the characters.

However, these same characters were frustrating MANY times throughout the story. 2 prodigal young women, very naive at the beginning, making the same mistakes over and over again when it came to men (particularly).

A lot things repeat themselves in the story. But thank God, the ending is better than the beginning, despite the fact that one of the main characters does not truly find a happy-ever-after

On the good side though, Warren paints a beautiful and touching picture of the love of God and in the end, you cannot help but cheer for these women as they long to -- and slowly find their way in Him.

A good story indeed. I'm definitely looking forward to Duchess and other books by Susan May Warren... well done!

Others have described the plot well, so I will share what I learned from this novel. Although the inspirational message was subtle, it was there and I found it to be one that penetrated my thinking after the story was complete. Remember where you came from and who you are. Do what is right. God loves me even when I don't like myself.

Two items caught my attention: how the two heroines constantly made wrong choices because they didn't realize they were of great worth and the variety of male characters in this book created layers of complexity.

I will admit that when I began this book, I did not really think I would like it. It was historical fiction, but the 1920's did not really interest me. At least, the characters in this book did not interest me. Why would I want to read about flappers in Paris who seemed to care so little for God that they got themselves into all sorts of trouble?

I was wrong. About one third of the way into the book, I had a change of heart. I was interested in Rosie and Lilly, and it was neat to see the stories go back and forth between these two young women. They both did things that amazed me, and they had big-time hardships. And it was clear that this was a time period about which I needed to learn a lot more.

Susan May Warren has written a different type of Christian fiction than I have ever read before. I would call her writing style very realistic and full of raw emotion at times. I was pleased to not have the "happily ever after" ending that so many Christian romances seem to suggest in their stories. Bad things did happen. And not all the main characters even came to trust in God.

The position of God was truly unique in the concept of this book. Even in stories where the Christian message is woven into the fabric of the story, God plays a significant, front-and-center role. God essentially takes a "back seat" in this story, but His influence permeates the stories of Lilly and Rosie.

I was quite pleased when I realized how much research the author must have conducted to write about airplanes and newspapers in such great detail. She truly has a grasp of the time period, and her characters are three-dimensional. In fact, I would say they sometimes jump off the page!

My only concern is that Susan May Warren will not write a sequel. I feel like I must know what happens to the characters. The story ended with my wanting more--much more. I have grown to love the characters, and I will await anything further from the author!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

The Baroness will grab you from the first page forward. It has it all and will leave you wanting more. This book is Lilly's story, and Rosie's .....and we begin in Romantic Paris. French fashion, hair dos, booze, gardens, and aeroplanes!

A Parisian air plane ride unlocks a passion in Lilly, that she takes back to the States. While Rosie wants to unlock her love of acting. Both will get chances to do what they want, but at what cost?

You will keep turning the pages as you try to figure out what is coming next? Some is so sad and others are sweet.

I for one can't wait for the next book!! Enjoy this totally captivating read!

I received this book from the Publisher Sumerside, and was not required to give a positive review.